February 16, 2009

Caveat emptor

The local paper has a ventline feature whereby people can anonymously call in and rant with a reasonable expectation of said rant appearing in print.

This past Saturday's post included this item, which wound up on the refrigerator at Goat Rope Farm:

To the man that sold me the F-150 in the Wal-Mart parking lot: Stop calling yourself a Christian. You're giving Christ a bad name.

Note to self: henceforth no longer make vehicle purchases from random individuals in the parking lots of big box retail stores, regardless of professed religious affiliation.

THE FUTURE OF COAL doesn't look too bright, according to this NY Times article. Articles like this have been known to cause ruling class hissy fits in El Cabrero's beloved state of West Virginia. But whatever happens, folks here need to start thinking ahead.

FRIENDS? Here's the latest on the ongoing saga of Massey Energy, CEO Don Blankenship, and WV Supreme Court Justice Brent Benjamin, who was elected in 2004 with millions of dollars of help from Blankenship. A case regarding all this is now pending before the US Supreme Court.

In good King Charles' golden days, when loyalty no harm meant,A zealous high churchman was I, and so I gained preferment. To teach my flock, I never missed Kings are by God appointedAnd damned be he who dare resist or touch the Lord's annointed.

cho: And this be law, I shall maintain Until my dying day, sir That whatsoever king may reign, Still I'll be the Vicar of Bray, sir.

When royal James usurped the throne, and popery came in fashion,The penal laws I hooted down, and read the Declaration. The Church of Rome, I found, did fit Full well my constitutionAnd I had been a Jesuit, but for the Revolution.

cho:

When William was our King declared, to ease the nation's grievance,With this new wind about I steered, and swore to him allegiance. Old principles I did revoke Set conscience at a distance,Passive obedience was a joke, a jest was non-resistance.

cho:

When Royal Anne became our queen, the Church of England's glory,Another face of things was seen, and I became a Tory. Occasional conformists base I blamed their moderation;And thought the Church in danger was from such prevarication.

cho:

When George in pudding time came o'er, and moderate men looked big, sirMy principles I changed once more, and I became a Whig, sir. And thus preferment I procured From our new Faith's Defender,And almost every day abjured the Pope and the Pretender.

cho:

The illustrious house of Hanover and Protestant successionTo these I do allegiance swear --- while they can hold possession. For in my faith and loyalty I never more will falter,And George my lawful king shall be --- until the times do alter.